If you’re looking for South Carolina Aquarium reviews or information on how to plan your visit, you’ve come to the right place. We were able to experience all the SC Aquarium has to offer, and we’re ready to share it with you! We’ve got all the info you need to plan your trip and have a blast with your family at the aquarium.
Thank you to the South Carolina Aquarium for providing media tickets for our review. All opinions are genuine and those of our team member.
South Carolina Aquarium Reviews, What You’ll See, and How to Visit
About the South Carolina Aquarium
In 2019, the SC Aquarium was one of ten recipients of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor for an aquarium to receive. They received it “not for having a massive living collection of exotic species from around the world, but for keeping its collection’s focus local.” This focus is entirely evident as soon as you step foot into the Aquarium.
If someone asked me what the focus of the Aquarium is, I’d tell them conservation and education. It’s easy to see how dedicated this nonprofit is to educating the public on the local species in Charleston and throughout the state as well as ways to conserve the beautiful animals there.
Bald eagle at the SC Aquarium
My favorite parts of the Aquarium were the two interactive talks given by the volunteers and staff, which I’ll tell you about shortly. When you visit the beautiful Aquarium, you’ll no doubt walk away with a greater appreciation for the different climates and environments of South Carolina. You’ll also appreciate the incredible work being done by the Aquarium in areas of conservation and the treatment and rehabilitation of sea turtles.
Exhibits at the SC Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium is the perfect sized-aquarium for really getting to understand the different exhibits and spending time learning about sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, river otters, and even the resident bald eagle, Liberty. My daughters and I took our time going through the exhibits and attending the two educational talks. In total, we spent about two hours there. We probably could have stayed longer if we had a snack at the Sea Turtle Snack Bar or fed the stingrays!
Spoonbill at the SC Aquarium
There are two public floors to the aquarium. The first floor houses the sea turtle hospital, a Great Ocean tank with tons of fish and loggerhead sea turtles, the gorgeous balcony overlooking the USS Yorktown and the Ravenel Bridge, and the bottom level of the Great Ocean Tank. The upper level has the kids play area, the salt marsh exhibit, the jelly fish, the mountains to Piedmont exhibits, the North American river otters, a touch tank, and the upper viewing area of the giant tank.
There are many hands-on exhibits all throughout the Aquarium that any kid will find entertaining and fun. When you enter the Aquarium, you can scan the QR code located at the visitor stand for a map. Or if you would prefer to print out a copy for your visit, here is a map of the South Carolina Aquarium Exhibits.
Educational Programs at the SC Aquarium
At the advice of the Aquarium’s public relations staff member, we timed our visit so we could see the Dive Into the G.O.T. and Turtle Talk programs.
The Dive Into the G.O.T. was phenomenal! The G.O.T. stands for the Great Ocean Tank, which holds more than 350,000 gallons of water and is 42 feet deep. There is a diver inside the tank who does a question-and-answer session with an Aquarium staff member and then takes questions from the audience.
Diver at the SC Aquarium
We learned all kinds of cool things about how the volunteers and staff feed the animals in the tank, how they clean the tank, and ways to practice conservation on our own. The Turtle Talk was also amazing. The sea turtle care center is really neat and an active place where the sea turtles are taken when they are stranded or injured. Many are cared for and rehabilitated and then released back into the wild.
Sea turtle hospital at the SC Aquarium
There are also animal encounters throughout the day. We saw a couple of volunteers and staff offering guests the opportunity to pet a snake. My kids passed on that one unfortunately.
The staff we met were all so, so kind and helpful. They all seemed to really love their jobs and were happy to be working at the Aquarium. The passion they had for the animals and education about them was easy to see.
To add some more educational fun to your visit, consider doing one of these onsite activities at the Aquarium. They include scavenger hunts, discovery bins, and deeper dives into the exhibits that are grade-level appropriate. Looking at you, homeschoolers!
Interacting with the Stingrays
I personally think stingrays are pretty cool and beautiful to watch, though I’m terrified of accidentally stepping on one while wading in the ocean. Yet, seeing them up close and learning about them is fascinating. All of the times I’ve seen them in touch tanks and aquariums, they’ve been very playful and fun.
Stingrays at the SC Aquarium
The stingrays at the SC Aquarium are no different. They have a huge tank to swim and play that overlooks the Charleston Harbor, and it’s just gorgeous. The stingrays will come right up to the edge of the tank like puppies and basically beg for pets. It’s really adorable. They are a little slimy, but I was all about it once I got over that.
You can feed the ocean puppies for $5. You can do this between 10:15 am and 4 pm. I didn’t do that, but I saw others who did, and they looked like they were really enjoying the experience.
Trading Post at the SC Aquarium
I was really excited to see that the Aquarium has something called “The Trading Post”. If you’re familiar with the Nature Exchange at all at the Roper Mountain Science Center, this is a similar concept. You can bring in up to two natural items found in nature and earn points redeemable for other cool things that the Aquarium has like shark teeth and pretty shells.
There are a few items that the Trading Post will not accept. This includes bird items (nest, egg, feathers), live animals, sea turtle bones, or anything else from an endangered species.
Sandlapper Water Tours offers a great opportunity to find shells and fossils. They launch right around the corner at the maritime center. You can go on a morning eco-tour and then head to the aquarium.
Visiting the South Carolina Aquarium
The Aquarium is located just minutes from downtown Charleston and right next to one of the places offering boat tours to Fort Sumter. The view from the deck is worth the experience alone!
You can purchase tickets in advance using the Aquarium’s dynamic ticketing system. Admission is determined by day of the week, school calendars, local events, weather, and holidays. You can see what the prices are for different days and purchase up to 60 days in advance.
There is an onsite gift shop as well as a snack bar, which is open 11 am – 3 pm daily. Parking is easy at the nearby Aquarium parking garage, which is $2/hour ($18 daily max).
The Aquarium is open daily 9 am – last ticket sold at 3:30 pm and the building closes at 5 pm Closed Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day, closes at 1 pm on Christmas Eve.
Inside: One local mom reviews the art opportunities for kids at TR Makers Co.
Looking for a place to make some art in Travelers Rest, SC? TR Makers Co offers art activities for both children and adults. You can plan a birthday party or girls’ night here, or take advantage of summer sessions, playdates, and even homeschool classes.
“I want to help people express themselves,” Kristin LaRoy told me at her shop in Travelers Rest called TR Makers Co.
I sincerely hoped that did not mean she would let my fiery toddler express herself by banging the mallet on Kristin’s finger as she held the print stamp in place for the handmade design my daughter was attempting.
That’s some serious trust and she won me over quickly.
In 2019, Kristin was brought into the SmartARTS program organized by the Metropolitan Arts Council, which is a pretty big deal. She uses her style of multi-disciplinary arts integration teaching to educate students in schools across Greenville County. And she also received the 2019 Carrie and Skip Gordon Emerging Teaching Artist Award for my work with SmartARTS. Brava!
Become A Maker
TR Makers Co. is right on Main Street in downtown Travelers Rest and is home to a beautiful little shop that sells goods from local artists, including soap, printed shirts (that are the softest I’ve ever felt, by the way) and sweatshirts, jewelry, dolls, and pottery. But the coolest part, at least for the kids, is all of the neat stuff Kristin has for the art section of TR Makers.
Seated at an art bar, my kids were able to make their own designs for cards and paper. They designed what the art on their little handbags would look like, and with Kristin’s help and patience, had a lot of fun becoming little makers themselves.
Adults also can get in on the action. TR Makers offers Play Dates for groups of one to six people. These can be for families or friends or girls night outs – pretty much anything. Grown-ups need to play, too. TR Makers also offers homeschool classes, art camps, and tons of art experiences for kids and grown-ups.
If you have a young child wanting to explore art, the Mini Makers program will help! One Saturday and some Wednesdays, TR Makers Co. offers Mini Makers, where your child can explore a theme through art. Parents participate as well, and your kid can take their art home after they are finished.
Arts Lead Learning Homeschool Classes
TR Makers Co offers homeschool classes called Arts Lead Learning.
Classes are held throughout the fall and spring. Each half day arts-integrated lesson covers an age-appropriate academic study in areas of either Science, Math, English, Social Studies, or cultural studies.
Students get the opportunity to make 2-3 projects during the lesson and come home knowing more about the chosen topic of study. Detail on current classes as well as general information on this program can be found online: Arts Lead Learning at TR Makers.
Summer Fun and Birthday Parties
TR Makers also offers Summer Maker Camps and Summer Maker Days for students age 7-16. Camps are half-day events with the kids meeting from 9 am- Noon and or 1-4 pm. Classes are a 5 day week long.
The Summer Maker Days are flexible. Students can join for one, two, or more classes during the week. They offer discounted passes for 2-Day maker days.
Summer classes and camp this summer look like a lot of fun with hands-on creating, problem-solving, and eating all in the name of art.
TR Makers also offers unique birthday parties where the birthday boy/girl receives a special block print t-shirt made during the party. Parties include art instruction and materials for 9 guests ages 4 and up and cost $250. Options are available to add food but parents can also bring in their own food or order in (Sidewall Pizza is just down the street, you know, for reference).
Shopping
TR Makers Co has always carried local goods, jewelry, art pieces, and unique gifts. They are always adding a ton of new items to their inventory, including DIY at-home art kits, new items from local, regional, and global artists, and artisan gifts. They offer free local pick-up daily as well.
If you’re in Travelers Rest, be sure to stop by TR Makers Co., or make a trip just for this place. It’s definitely worth it. Travelers Rest has so many gems. Don’t miss any of them.
If you are looking for salons offering mommy and me nails near Greenville, SC, you’ve come to the right place! Kidding Around readers recommended several nail salons that accommodate little kids by giving them the pint-size version of the nail treatments many parents enjoy. We hope you and your little one have a great time bonding while being pampered with mommy and me manis and pedis!
Enjoying a little pampering with your child can be a wonderful and fun bonding activity. While little ones might not hold still long enough to benefit from lengthy services, a slightly older child may love it. I know promises of pretty polish are the only sure way to bribe my preschool daughters into letting me trim their nails.
Below are some reader suggestions of favorite salons offering child nail services throughout Greenville.
Salons offering services for kids
Remember that details about these particular locations may change. We recommended calling ahead to confirm deals or services.
Lavish Nails and Spa is highly recommended due to the salon’s cleanliness and relaxing environment. They offer manicures and pedicures for children under 12 and use new tools when working with children, and are excellent with kids!
Nail Story’s stunning salon offers a Kid’s Menu of nail services for children. They currently offer a Kid’s Manicure, Kid’s Pedicure, Delux Pedicure, Top Shelf Pedicure, and additional add-on services like gels and nail designs.
Located off Wade Hampton near Belk’s in Greer, Lily Nails is recommended by a few KA readers thanks to their adorable ‘Mommy and Me’ section in the salon. The facility is clean and organized, with adjoining adult/child chairs that can accommodate children as young as 3 years old!
Located in Greer, Hampton Nails & Spa offers multiple services for children under 12, including pedicure and manicure (ages 9 – 12), gel polish, hand polish, and feet polish. They have two special child-size chairs available to make them more comfortable.
217 West Wade Hampton Blvd Suite E Greer, SC 29650
Multiple KA readers love Oscars Nails & Spa because of the salon’s cleanliness and friendly staff! The salon is very popular amongst adults looking for their own manicure and pedicure, as well as for child nail services.
2435 East North Street #1102 Greenville, SC 29615
Oscar’s! Super friendly, they do great work and it’s clean.
Sherri
Oscar’s is the best. Best going there for years. Clean. Affordable and the owners are amazing.
Magic Nails & Beauty offer a children’s manicure and pedicure. Its facility is highly rated because of its welcoming staff, cleanliness, and sanitation practices.
Wondering about ISR swim lessons in Greenville, SC? Many Upstate parents have heard of Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) lessons, especially when looking for water safety options for babies and young children. Greenville mom Erica McCall shared her family’s experience with ISR lessons and why the program made such a big impact on their confidence around water safety.
ISR lessons focus on survival swimming skills designed to help children learn how to respond if they unexpectedly enter the water. These lessons are different from traditional swim lessons and are centered around water safety and self-rescue skills.
If you’re researching ISR swim lessons in Greenville, Simpsonville, or the Upstate, here’s what one local family experienced during the program. Last updated, May 2026.
You know when you find something amazing and you wonder how you ever went without knowing about it? And then you see stuff about it everywhere and you think, “Did I have blinders on?!” This is that story for me. -Erika
Infant Swim Rescue (ISR)
At the start of the summer, I wrote a list of places where you could take swimming lessons. I included the instructor that I’d planned for our son’s summer, Brennan Townsend with ISR. I mentioned that it wasn’t the same as swimming lessons, but MAN! I have to tell you why Infant Swim Resource is definitely the way to go from now until forever.
Let’s start from the beginning. ISR was founded in 1966 by a man who had the unfortunate life experience of having a neighbor’s child drown while he was growing up. He decided right there that it was high time drownings were ended. He dedicated his studies and career to ensure that Not One More Child Drowns.
Now, ISR is a leader across the globe in survival swim lessons. Like I said, these aren’t your usual swim lessons. These are about survival. They have over 300,000 graduates with over 800 stories of survival of when kids had to put their skills to use during an accident and they were successful!
Children from 6 months and up can learn different skills with ISR, starting with the basic float and wait for help. My son’s age group learns the swim-float-swim sequence to get to safety. Children a little older learn this as well as strong swimmer skills that allow them to enjoy safe water play.
Families often search for “ISR swim lessons Greenville SC” because the program is different from traditional swim instruction. ISR focuses on helping children learn water survival skills like floating, breath control, and the swim-float-swim sequence used to reach safety.
🌟 Looking for an ISR instructor near Greenville? Families in Greenville, Simpsonville, Mauldin, Five Forks, and surrounding Upstate communities can search for certified ISR instructors using the official ISR locator tool.
Tip: ISR instructors often book quickly for spring and summer sessions, so joining a wait list early is a smart idea.
Finding an ISR Instructor in Greenville
Several ISR instructors serve families across the Greenville area, including Simpsonville, Five Forks, Mauldin, and surrounding Upstate communities. Since ISR lessons are one-on-one and scheduled daily, spots can fill quickly during warmer months.
When choosing an instructor, parents may want to ask about:
Pool location
Age requirements
Session schedules
Wait lists
Parent orientation information
Current lesson fees
Because instructor pricing and availability can change frequently, families should contact instructors directly through the official ISR website for the most current information.
My Family’s Experience with ISR
Lessons were short daily sessions held five days a week. ISR lessons are typically scheduled Monday through Friday and often continue for several weeks depending on the child’s age, comfort level, and skill progression.
Oh yeah- and each lesson is about 8-10 minutes, with most of it being one-on-one direct instruction pool time and a small part spent discussing the sheet you fill out on your child’s eating/sleeping/pooping.
Yes. 8-10 minutes a day, 5 days a week. It is NOT convenient, but c’mon. Is your child’s safety really about your convenience? Nope. On the plus side- that was just enough daily time for me to get a lovely tan this summer without burning!
We had to have a swim diaper and two or three towels each day in order to have a double layer of towels in between wet baby and the pool edge. I was pretty surprised about that until I learned why- germ prevention. I was totally on board after that. We ended up using our coupon to also buy a long sleeved swim shirt from the ISR store because I didn’t want to put on sunscreen every single day. Love that thing!
The first three days went pretty much like I thought they would. He sputtered a little when he had to put his face in because he didn’t have much breath control yet. He didn’t like having to lay flat for the float. None of that was surprising though because it was all what I already saw at bath time or when we swam at the pool ourselves.
Then day four happened. He decided it was high time he demanded that he never have to float again. He cried. THE. ENTIRE. TIME. Yep. I felt terrible, but mostly for our instructor! I know what a pain it is to try to concentrate when they’re unhappy, so I figured she was miserable. Not so. Apparently, most kids experience days where they are just not cooperating and cry throughout the lesson. I ended up seeing a lot of different age kids (elementary to baby) cry at some point or other during the weeks of lessons. Our little guy only cried for about a week. Now I know that sounds like a long time, but let me just tell you what a big faker my kid was. He’d sing about “simmie-poo” and “simmie-yessens” and ask me aaaaaall day when we would go, cry during the lesson, and then say “simmie poo fun” when we got in the car. *facepalm* So- don’t think it was some sort of traumatic week and he must hate the water now. Nope. He just didn’t like having to do something he didn’t want to do, and then he got over it.
After our week of being cuh-razy, everything was fantastic. He would ask me every day when we would get to go and then he’d ask for his teacher… and then ask when we could go… and then say he loved his teachers… you get the picture. He loved going to ISR.
He had some days where he reverted to an old mindset instead of following directions, but for the most part I felt like I saw progress every single day.
Let me break down what they did every day. They had four things they did together each day (which became a broken record mantra for my son to ask me about): he’d swim to the steps, he’d float, he’d grab the bar, and he’d get to her hand. That translated into him saying “fwim thepths, fwoat, bawr, hannnd” approximately seventy-four thousand, nine hundred three times each day because he was so excited about going and then about what all he did after. The different areas were all building blocks that allowed him to learn the different means of swimming, floating, and rescue that were available. It required him to be actively looking in the water for a way to get out. In order to graduate, he had to be able to do a swim-float-swim sequence to get from the teacher to an exit area. It was truly amazing to watch as all these steps scaffolded together in order to form a survival swim.
By the time graduation day came, he had to perform the swim-float-swim sequence in full winter clothes. Many people questioned this when I told what we’d be doing, but think about it. How often do kids drown in just a bathing suit? How often do we see on the news that a kid wandered into a neighbor’s pond or pool, meaning they were wearing whatever they’d been dressed in? Exactly. They need to be able to do the skills they learned regardless of what they had on. I dressed our son in a long sleeved shirt and the thickest jeans we own. Why? I wanted to be darn sure he could still do it, even if his legs were way heavier than usual.
It worked! He was given all his usual tasks to complete, plus a couple that were new to the last week of lessons, including new ‘placements’ from different positions that simulated ways he might enter the water. Not flung or dunked or anything, just gently placed in different positions to ensure they could regain a sense of where up was and problem-solve, even if he was a bit disoriented. Man! It was amazing to watch our little bug, not even two years old, get himself to the surface, relax into a calm float, and then flip himself over to kick towards safety. He even stopped along the way to flip back into his float to take a breath.
You wanna talk about being a proud mama! I definitely teared up watching his success. In just six short weeks, we’d gone from liking swimming to loving it and being totally confident in how to be safe in water.
Now that it’s behind us…
I do not regret one cent of one dollar that we spent on these lessons. I do not regret one minute it cost me or one ounce of gas we paid for. I can’t imagine how I ever questioned whether or not these would be right for us or if the cost was worth it. IT WAS and then some. I even saw a five year old, who took close to two weeks to put her face in the water, end up swimming all the way across the pool to the wall at the deep end! I also saw a little baby doing his float perfectly. (I loved seeing the different aged kids learn all their skills! Such confidence blossomed in each of them!)
There are now several instructors in the upstate area, which is wonderful since you’re going to want to get on the wait-list for these ASAP, even if your kids have taken swim lessons already. Remember- these are about survival for when the worst happens as well as how to enjoy the water safely when swimming. I feel a thousand times better about his safety now that I’ve watched him grow into a confident, capable little fish. He’s one of over 300,000 graduates from the ISR program and he has the medal to prove he can do it!
Your Turn: Signing Up for ISR
For this Greenville family, ISR lessons felt like a meaningful investment in water safety and confidence. Watching their child learn survival swimming skills over several weeks was both emotional and encouraging.
Families interested in ISR swim lessons in Greenville, Simpsonville, and the Upstate can visit the official ISR website to search for certified instructors, learn more about the program, and request current lesson pricing and availability.
ISR lessons are available for children beginning around 6 months old, with lesson goals adjusted based on age and development.
How long are ISR swim lessons?
Most ISR lessons last about 10 minutes and are held five days a week for several weeks.
How much do ISR swim lessons cost in Greenville?
Pricing varies by instructor, lesson location, and session length. Families should contact local instructors directly through the ISR website for current fees and availability.
Are ISR lessons worth it?
Many families choose ISR lessons because they focus on water survival and self-rescue skills in addition to swimming ability.
Visit infantswimupstate.com to get your child signed up. Tell them Kidding Around Greenville sent ya’ and enjoy watching your little fish grow!
Are you looking for the perfect place to sign your kids up for swim lessons in Greenville, SC this summer? We polled our readers to get some parent reviews of what pools and places are the best for swim lessons.
Greenville Speaks is a collection of reader recommendations based on our Facebook page. While this listing may include KAG sponsors, listings are not based on sponsorship. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement.
It’s getting warm and you know what that means… it’s time to cool off in the water! Don’t forget that with the warmer weather, the risks of injury (unfortunately) go way up!
Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14 and is the number one cause of death for kids between the ages of 1 and 4. A recent report from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission showed that kids younger than 5 make up over 75% of all pool/spa deaths and almost 80% of injuries in those areas for kids 15 and under. YIKES! So what can we do to be sure those statistics don’t include anyone we know and love?
Our Readers’ Favorite Swim Lesson Locations in Greenville, SC
We asked you, our readers, where the best swim lessons in Greenville could be found, and here is what you recommended! Obviously, there’s no substitute for supervision, but when the unthinkable happens and they wander, let’s make sure your little ones are prepared for what they encounter!
The YMCA of Greenville
The YMCA has taught more people to swim than any other organization in the world! They’ve been called “America’s Favorite Swim Instructor” for over 100 years. The Y offers four locations with swimming pools. The Caine Halter Y and Prisma Health Family Y have outdoor pools in the summer. Those pools remain open in the fall and winter months thanks to “The Bubble.” There are indoor pools located at the Caine Halter Y and Eastside Y. Classes, ranging from babies to adults, are deeply discounted for Y members but also open to non-members.
My 5 year old who was deathly afraid to get anything above her shoulders wet came full circle at the Eastside YMCA.
Stephanie
Took my daughter that was terrified of water touching her face and ears and made her into a water loving kid that can rescue swim also!
Victoria
Swim Savvy Aquatics
Swim Savvy Aquatics came highly recommended by our KAG readers! Swim instructors place children in classes based on their age and advance them through skills as they are ready. Lessons are available for infants-3 years old and a separate program available for 4 year olds and up. While they realize they cannot recreate every situation your child may face while at a pool, they try to focus on teaching problem-solving life-saving skills.
Absolutely the best in Greenville. Four children have learned to swim with Carla and her team of amazing instructors.
Kelley
Goldfish Swim School
Goldfish Swim School, located at 607 Haywood Rd., Greenville, SC 29607, opened last year and comes highly recommended by our readers. They provide swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children ages four months to 12 years.
“Families can enroll children in a wide range of swim lessons and water safety instruction that utilizes a proprietary curriculum, The Science of SwimPlay®, which helps to build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment. Goldfish Swim School – Greenville offers flexible scheduling and free make-up lessons for busy families.”
Greenville Rec offers classes for all ages, from babies 6 months old up to adults. They keep the student to teacher ratio small so that the lessons are personal for everyone who comes! They use positive, child-focused teaching methods in order to teach skills like water entry/exit, safety in and around water, parent education, basic swim movements, and even breath control for older children! They offer lower rates for Greenville County residents but lessons are open to the public. Whatever your goals or swim needs are, they are sure to have a class and instructor to help give you and your child the tools to succeed!
We’ve used west side aquatic center multiple times and I’ve been pleased with every level so far.
CJ
Westside aquatic center. Usually 3 kids to one teacher. Coach Jennifer is super nice who is over see the whole program. Alex is a great coach to my kids
Tiffany
Ray & Joan Kroc Center Aquatics
Krocs and Krocodilos starting at 6 months can learn to swim at their own levels and pace with the Kroc Center’s lessons. Their classes are not intended to teach children to survive in water on their own, but they are preparing kids to progress into their future programs for Krockies and Krocodiles. They offer other classes for ages 6 months through adult and even feature a SAIL Prep and Teen Swim Conditioning programs to get your children ready for competition time! Private lessons are available for ages 2 and up and for any skill level. Members receive a discount here, too.
Our Readers’ Favorite Private Swim Lesson Instructors in Greenville, SC
Swim Lessons with Mary
Our readers LOVE Swim Lessons with Mary. They teach infants, kids, and adults of all skill levels in private 30-minute lessons. Their goal is to bring you peace of mind and confidence in your swimmer’s ability and lifelong safety. Lessons are held at 3 indoor locations: Greenville, Mauldin, and Spartanburg!
Infant Swim Resource is NOT your typical swim lesson! These are drowning prevention lessons and they start at 6 months old! The instructors, who go through EXTREMELY lengthy training, will teach infants to roll onto their back and calmly float while waiting for help. Kids who are a year or older will learn to get to their back and then to do a roll, kick/swim, and breathe sequence that will get them to the safety of the edge of a pool or pond. The things they teach these little ones to do are truly amazing!
ISR was founded in 1966 by a man who had the unfortunate life experience of having a neighbor’s child drown while he was growing up. He decided right there that it was high time drownings were ended. He dedicated his studies and career to ensure that Not One More Child Drowns.
Brennan, a mother of three, and Greenville’s first ISR Instructor, Brennan is excited to introduce these life saving skills to the Greenville community. She teaches Monday through Friday, at a private pool in the Standing Springs area of Simpsonville.
Brennan Curry Townsend has been a wonderful ISR instructor! I highly recommend her!
Lauren DiTullio
Brennan Curry Townsend all the way!!!
Svannah Cruz
Brennan Curry Townsend she taught both of our boys and it was really the best money we ever spent. Both boys are excellent swimmers now and respect the water
Owner and instructor, Carrie Pope, is located in the Foothills area of South Carolina. Infant Swimming Resource’s Self-Rescue® is the safest provider of survival swimming lessons for children 6 months to 6 years of age.
Carrie Dedmon Pope is wonderful! Even a year later, my two year old was turning and floating
Have had such a great experience with (Brennan) and Claudette Graham – location wise Claudette is much closer to me but they are both wonderful.
Laura Nichols
Other Options For Swim Lessons in Greenville, SC
If you’re opting to go the private instructor route or are looking for another swim school option, there are some in our area! The great part about private instructors is that they’re able to be super connected with your child and more focused on your child’s particular swim needs. Here are a few more swim lesson options in Greenville, SC:
Have you experienced the overwhelming wonder of Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the US? Here’s everything you need to plan an epic adventure, including Georgia Aquarium reviews, photos, and even parking and hotel information.
Watch! Our Visit to the Biggest Aquarium in the US
Our Day Trip to the Georgia Aquarium
For our day trip to the Georgia Aquarium, we brought along our five-year-old and two-year-old because we knew this would be a fantastic memory for them. You can purchase tickets online in advance for cheaper than same-day tickets! Ticket prices for pre-booked dates start at $54.99, but prices fluctuate depending on the day you want to attend, if it’s a holiday or weekend, or if they anticipate large crowds. Keep that in mind!
We also made reservations for the dolphin show and the sea lion show on the same day as our visit. If you are looking to do these two free shows or any backstage events, be sure to factor those in when figuring out how long you want to stay at the aquarium!
What Animals Can You See at the Georgia Aquarium?
Because the Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the US, there is A LOT to explore. You’ll want to carve out at least two to three hours of your day to experience everything, but you could honestly stay longer. When you arrive at the aquarium, staff will take a photo that you can later purchase as a souvenir. You’ll then immediately follow a corridor lined with a wall of glowing jellyfish! My kids were ecstatic to see them glowing purple and bouncing around the elongated tank. It was the perfect start to our visit.
Galleries and Exhibits: Georgia Aquarium
The hard part is figuring out what you want to see first! There are eight major galleries at the Georgia Aquarium, each with its own theme. There are over 500 species and over one million animals to see. They have sharks, penguins, beluga whales, dolphins, and even massive whale sharks. It’s not just another aquarium. It’s like stepping into another world. And if you think that sounds melodramatic, consider some of these stats:
With more than 600,000 square feet and 10 million gallons of fresh and salt water, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States.
The Ocean Voyager exhibit is the largest indoor fish habitat in the United States. It measures 284 feet long by 126 feet wide by 30 feet deep. It contains 6.3 million gallons of water.
The viewing window into the whale shark exhibit measures 60 feet long by 27 feet high.
When we arrived in the huge atrium, we decided to work our way clockwise through the galleries so we wouldn’t miss anything. We started at SHARKS! Predators of the Deep, which was my daughter’s absolute favorite. There were tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, silvertip sharks, and a sand tiger shark that swam around the 1.2 million gallon tank and through the circling false pilchard fishes. We even saw a hammerhead shark try to catch one. A presenter said this was because an older or sick false pilchard released electromagnetic signals.
Before our scheduled show at Dolphin Coast, We worked our way through several exhibits on the bottom floor. It took us a little over an hour. You’ll want extended time at the Ocean Voyager Built by Home Depot exhibit. Here, you can ride down a conveyor belt under a 100-foot tunnel. This part is exciting, but be sure little feet stay off the edges of the belt so they don’t fall. You can choose to walk beside it as well, which is nice if you want to stop and take a closer look at the rays and fish swimming overhead.
The epic part of Ocean Voyager is the large seating area you’ll find toward the end of the gallery. You can lounge on the stairs under the glow of the huge aquarium and watch the whale sharks swim by. This is a great place to park it for a little bit after a long day of walking around. We sat here for almost 20 minutes listening to the presenter give us facts about animals inside the tank. We also played a game of who could spot Gulper the whale shark.
Here is a full list of the exhibits and key features at the Georgia Aquarium so you can decide where to start!
Aquanaut Adventure – Newer exhibit with alligators, lizards, eels, and a Discovery Zone touch pool.
Cold Water Quest – Home to beluga whales, sea otters, African penguins, Pacific octopus, and more.
Dolphin Coast – Dolphins (including the theatre), spoonbill, spiny lobster, and scarlet ibis.
Ocean Voyager – The largest exhibit offers whale sharks, rays, sharks, tons of fish, and a place to relax.
Predators of the Deep – A variety of sharks with large glass walls to observe from different angles.
Georgia Aquarium Dolphin Show and Sea Lion Presentation
One wonderful thing about the aquarium is that you can get up close and personal with many of the animals, all included in your admission ticket! For an additional cost of $5, you can choose preferred seating. We had such a fun time at the dolphin and sea lion shows which run at various times throughout the day.
My five-year-old and I opted to sit in the splash seats for both shows, and we were giggling the entire time waiting to get splashed, especially when the dolphins sent a wave of water right at us. But don’t worry, the majority of the seats are out of the splash zone.
During both shows, we learned how the aquarium staff trains the animals and what the animals are like in the wild. We saw a spectacular showcase of their skills. During the sea lion show, we sat closest to Katie, the oldest sea lion resident and watched her and her trainer show off their dancing skills and tricks. My two-year-old was squealing when each sea lion showed off how loud they could be. It was hilarious!
Both the dolphin show and the sea lion show are about 15-20 minutes each, so make sure your little ones go to the bathroom ahead of time so you don’t lose your seats. You will also want to arrive about 10 minutes early to get the best seats. They fill up very quickly!
You will want to make reservations the day of to confirm seats for the Dolphin Coast dolphin show and the sea lion show. They are free to attend, but for an additional $5, you can reserve preferred seating.
Quick Facts: Things to Know Before Your Visit
Hours of Operation
The Georgia Aquarium is open year-round, but hours do vary. Visit the aquarium website for specific hours on the day you plan to visit. You are welcome to leave the aquarium after you enter, just make sure you get your arm stamped at the customer service counter before you leave.
Georgia Aquarium Tickets
Ticket Prices
The aquarium uses a timed ticketing system, which means you’ll get time to enter the aquarium. This keeps the facility from becoming overcrowded.
Tickets cost more at peak times like weekends and holidays. Be sure to check the website for the date you plan to visit.
General Admission Tickets
When you purchase tickets ahead of time, you get a discount. Remember that! Fixed-date tickets start at $54.99. Anytime tickets are $69.99. We recommend purchasing ahead of time and looking at their booking calendar to get the best price. You can also purchase an annual membership if you plan to visit more than once.
If you want to do special animal encounters or events, you can also purchase tickets to those ahead of time. They do sell out sometimes because of limited ticket availability, so book early. Prices for animal encounters start at around $90 per person, and there are age restrictions.
Georgia Aquarium Parking
Parking is available in the attached parking deck and costs $20 per day. The World of Coca-Cola and CNN Tower are within walking distance, so you could plan an entire day of attractions for one parking price. There’s also a nice playground area in Centennial Olympic Park if the kids need some downtime.
Coastline Cafe: Cafe at the Aquarium
On the second floor you’ll find the new Coastline Cafe. Most of the food is American fare, like chicken nuggets and burgers. It can be pretty expensive to dine here, so we chose to bring sandwiches to enjoy during our break outdoors on the grass between World of Coca-Cola and the aquarium.
Wheelchairs, Strollers, and Babies
The entire aquarium is wheelchair and stroller accessible. However, strollers are NOT permitted in the Dolphin Coast theater. There is a “stroller parking” area available for use during the show.
There’s a private nursing pod for mothers available on the second floor.
Sensory bags are also available at Guest Services if you would like them for you or your child.
Where to Stay Near the Georgia Aquarium
Planning an overnight trip? Use the map below to find perfect lodging near the Georgia Aquarium.
Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22, Kidding Around earns when booking through the map and links in this section.
During a previous visit, we stayed at the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel, which we recommend because of the hotel’s great location and comfort. Another great option is Home 2 Suites Midtown. The CNN Tower, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Park, the Peachtree Center, and a new Ferris wheel attraction are all within easy walking distance of both hotels.
Restaurants Near the Georgia Aquarium
You can leave the aquarium and come back, so why not check out some of the best restaurants near the Georgia Aquarium that are within walking distance? The Atlanta Breakfast Club is just down the street, and has some of the best Southern breakfast food around! Have a kid who will only eat pizza? Then head to Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria. They have delicious pizza, plus vegetarian and vegan options. You don’t want to miss out on the crispy chicken and fries at Rocks!
Tips for Visiting the Georgia Aquarium
Bring a stroller or carrier if you have little ones, because there is a lot of walking involved.
Be sure to reserve a dolphin show or sea lion show. It’s worth it and great for younger kids.
Pack your lunch and leave it in a cooler in the car to save money.
If you want to leave and come back to the aquarium, be sure to get your hand stamped.
Current or former members of the United States armed forces get free entry and a 30% discount for accompanying family members on Military Appreciation Days.
The gift shop has some great stuff, and you have to exit through it, so be sure to budget for a souvenir. Pro gift shop tip: Collect something small from gift shops you visit throughout all your travels like a magnet, postcard, or Christmas tree ornament. Everyone in your family will know they are on the hunt for the perfect item to add to that collection, and you’ll stay far away from the expensive toys, stuffed animals, and apparel.
My Honest Opinion of the Georgia Aquarium: Review
Visiting the Georgia Aquarium as a mom of two young kids is so worth it! There’s so much to do and see that the trip is absolutely a core memory maker. There are animals at the Georgia Aquarium you’ll most likely never see in your lifetime. Plus, the vast amount of scientific research and conservation efforts they do helps us learn more about these animals and reverse their wild population decline. My kids were in awe, and so was I.
The aquarium staff are friendly and helpful, and we had zero issues throughout the entire day. It’s a great family vacation idea, because the city of Atlanta has so much to offer. It’s worth the 2.5-hour drive from Greenville, SC, and makes the perfect day trip!
Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker Street NW Atlanta, GA 30313 404-581-4000
What was your family’s favorite part of the Georgia Aquarium?
There’s a lot more to do in Atlanta! Check it out!
If the idea of touring the Biltmore Estate in Asheville with your kids sounds daunting, have no fear. We lay out all kinds of things you can do there, and most of them don’t even involve the house itself. I’ve been several times and had so many questions at first. But every time I visit, I explore a little more of the 8,000+ acres and find another reason to love the estate.
Have you ever dreamed of visiting a real-life castle? Of touring the halls and stately rooms? Of being transported to a different time and place and experiencing the luxurious lifestyle? How about touring the castle’s vineyard, visiting the stables, and exploring the renowned gardens? Well, you don’t have to hop on a plane for Europe to set your eyes upon gargoyles and ball gowns. Just head to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, a picturesque castle with over 8,000 acres, 250 rooms, and a hundred years of history.
Regardless of whether you are a Passholder or visiting for the day, if you want to tour the house, you need to reserve a time online. Be sure to print out your confirmation email, because you’ll need it to get in. And arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled tour to allow for parking and to either take a shuttle to the house or walk over via the trails.
Is the Biltmore Worth It?
Many parents ask if taking the kids through the house is worth it, which is a valid question. Even though the house is stunning and the grandeur of the rooms is amazing, some kids will be bored. And if you have little kids, you need to keep them with you and not let them run behind the roped-off sections.
I first took my kids to the house when they were seven and three, and we didn’t make it through the whole tour because one of them needed to use the restroom. You must do it before you enter the house as there are no bathrooms inside for guests. The public restrooms are outdoors, near the Stable Cafe to the right of the house.
The second time we went was a couple of years later, and we got through most of the house. It was Christmastime, and the decorations were mesmerizing. Now my kids are 11 and 15, and we go every Christmas. They truly enjoy it. Keep reading for a review of the Rooftop Tour, which we all loved!
A Biltmore House tour comes with audio tours for both kids and adults. The Vanderbilts’ dog, Cedric, narrates the kids’ tour, which they may find entertaining.
Either way, be prepared to bail if you need to. There’s a lot to do on the estate besides the house, no matter how gorgeous it is. The Biltmore ticket system requires you to choose a House ticket or a Grounds & Gardens ticket. The House ticket includes the Grounds but a Grounds & Gardens ticket does not include the House tour.
Biltmore Rooftop Tour
The Rooftop Tour at the Biltmore has been something I’ve wanted to do for years. I first visited the Biltmore in 2018 and it wasn’t until now, 2026, that I finally did the tour. It did not disappoint.
I’ve been through the house many times because I have an annual pass and see the stairways and rooms and roped-off sections and have always wondered what are behind those doors. Well, I finally found out what was behind a few of them: access to the roof over the winter garden and a private balcony off George Vanderbilt’s bathroom.
One view from the rooftop tour
The tour is an hour long and you must make reservations in advance. You also must be able to climb around 250 stairs without assistance and keep up with the tour. My daughters, ages 11 and 15, didn’t have any problems, but there are a lot of stairs. If you have mobility issues, you may want to choose another excursion on the property.
The tour takes you up the grand staircase and then into a really cool room with an enormous replica of the Biltmore House. Richard Morris Hunt designed it, and to solidify George Vanderbilt’s vision, the two of them went on a massive road trip across Europe to see palaces, castles, and cathedrals before building the Biltmore. Some of the places they visited are in framed shots in this room.
From there, you get to walk out on a very small walkway rooftop and get up close with the gargoyles. You can see the Mt. Mitchell in the distance, and the glass ceiling of the winter garden is below. It’s absolutely stunning.
You can see straight out to the statue of the Roman goddess, Diana, which sits above the long field in front of the house. We learned that it was where George Vanderbilt and his guests began their hunts. If you know anything about mythology, this makes sense as Diana is the Roman goddess of the hunt.
The tour continues to an attic where you can see how the builders put together the slate roofs. You then head to a gorgeous balcony off George Vanderbilt’s room where vast views of the Blue Ridge Mountains await.
I was so happy to have finally done this tour after years of wanting to see the views from the roof and learn more about what makes this place so special. Tickets are $45/person (Passholders get a discounted rate), and kids need to be at least nine.
Biltmore Gardens
I’ve taken so many walks through the Biltmore Gardens and just can’t get enough. The father of modern-day landscaping, Frederick Law Olmstead, designed the gardens, and they are breathtaking.
I thought spring was my favorite season to vist as the tulips and daffodils light up the pathways. Then I thought early summer was my favorite because of the beautiful rose and azalea gardens. Then I decided fall was my favorite because of the colorful mums planted in mesmerizing patterns.
Biltmore sunflowers
But after I took walks and bike rides along the sunflower fields near Antler Hill Village in the late summer and early fall, I just figured I’d get a season pass so I could visit whenever I wanted. I can’t decide when the flowers are the most gorgeous, so you’ll just have to go see for yourself.
House and Grounds & Gardens tickets both include access to the gardens, the walking trails, and the Conservatory. You don’t need a reserved time to walk through the gardens. You just go when you want.
Antler Hill Village: Biltmore with Kids
Antler Hill Village is my favorite place at the Biltmore Estate because it’s filled with lots of kid-friendly activitites, and it’s all included with admission.
The Farmyard is a small farm area where kids are welcome to pet the animals. They have goats (baby goats come March of every year!), chickens, horses, and pigs. On some occasions, they have Border Collie sheep-herding demonstrations, which are fun to watch.
Next to the farm, is the Pisgah Playground, a big play area with swings, slides, and climbing structures. It’s a great place to let the kids enjoy a beautiful day outside.
And up the hill a little ways from the playground, is the Antler Hill Barn with craft demonstrations every Thursday-Sunday. I love this area as the staff members are so kind and engage with the kids. There’s also a little cafe with beer and wine, so I’ve had a beer while watching my kids play or do crafts. It’s a perfect place to relax. There are restrooms at the barn.
You can also pick up several hiking trails at Antler Hill Village right behind the barn and wander past the cow fields and goat pens. Grab a map at the Outdoor Center near the barn.
The Winery is also in Antler Hill Village. Adults are welcome to do a complimentary wine tasting, and kids can tag along and have grape juice. The servers are generous with the wine samples so take that into consideration when figuring out the best time to go!
Get Your Adventure On
If horseback riding is on your to-do list, the Biltmore also offers guided tours of 1-10 people with two-day advance registration. Ages eight and up are welcome, and it costs $135/person for an hour ride around the estate.
You probably won’t be surprised to learn the Biltmore also offers carriage rides. The 60-minute ride is available Friday through Sunday and takes guests around the beautiful estate and house. It costs $95/person, and one child five years old or younger is free per paying adult.
Fall at the Biltmore
There are more than 20 miles of biking trails at the Biltmore Estate, which run all throughout Antler Village and up to the house. You can either rent bikes ($25/bike for two hours) at the Bike Barn, which is open daily depending on weather, or bring your own bikes and ride at your leisure. I’ve brought my kids’ scooters and bikes, and we rode the trails from Antler Hill up to the house, to the Gardens, and to the pond. It was so much fun. We also love to go biking on the trails at the Estate. The paths run along the French Broad River and up to the Gardens.
The falconry class is at the top of my to-do list at the Biltmore Estate. I really want to learn how to do this thanks to My Side of the Mountain. It’s pricey at $135/person, but hey, I have dreams.
Dining with Kids at the Biltmore Estate
There are several dining options at the Biltmore. The Stable Cafe near the main house has a selection of comfort food that’s easy to grab and eat. Families also love Cedric’s Tavern in Antler Hill Village, which has typical pub fare. Consider making reservations at the sit-down places to get your preferred time.
Most of the restaurants near the house and garden are open daily, but the Smokehouse at the Farmhouse in Antler Hill Village is only open on weekends. During our visits with kids in tow, we pack a light lunch and treat them to ice cream at the Creamery.
Have a picnic
If you’d rather take a picnic basket, the Azalea Garden path, Bass Pond, and Boat House are wonderful options. You can also eat at the covered tables in Antler Hill Village or at any of the beautiful open spaces around the estate. Guest Services can recommend picnic spots in their many beautiful lawns and gardens. Guests aren’t allowed to have picnics around the mansion or near any of the dining establishments. Tents, grills, multiple camping chairs/tables, and large coolers are not permitted in Biltmore parking lots or on the grounds.
Seasonal Fun and Exhibits
I’ve gotten to see some pretty neat exhibits at the Biltmore. These included the Titanic exhibit featuring many of Kate Winslet’s dresses [insert completely excited face here], a fantastic train exhibit, Christmas at the Biltmore, and Chihuly at Biltmore. These special events are incredibly well done and worth a visit.
Christmas at the Biltmore
Every year, I take my daughters to tour the house during Christmastime because it is so beautiful. We really love checking out the 50+ Christmas trees and seeing the elaborate decorations.
The trees are decorated with delicate glass ornaments that are almost certainly not shatter-proof. We admired the gorgeous velvet ribbons carefully wrinkled at the right places, seemingly mimicking the damask finery in the guest rooms.
My personal favorite was a tree on the second floor, close to the Louis XV suite. A carefully assembled vignette of vintage toys beneath the tree would stir any child’s imagination of toy soldiers and sugar plum fairies. Perhaps they chose this location for the child-friendly tree because it’s close to the room where Cornelia Vanderbilt was born. It was a good reminder that a family once lived in this beautiful home.
Spots for the Christmas House tours usually go fast, so you’ll need to reserve your preferred time and date online. They also have wildly popular candlelight tours, which I have yet to do, but I’d love to take in that experience sometime. Christmas at the Biltmore runs from November through early January.
Where to Stay Near Biltmore Estate
Find a place to stay near the Biltmore. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
For the Grownups: The Biltmore Winery
Begin by taking a stroll underground through the historic cellars of the former Biltmore Dairy. My kids enjoyed the cool temperature of the cellar and wandering through the exhibit. Your stroll will lead to an impressive tasting room where gracious wine hosts guide you through a complimentary wine tasting. For a nominal fee, you can sample their finest reserve. Kids get grape juice and complimentary snacks while adults enjoy their wine. The tasting room opens up to a shop offering wine, cookware, and gourmet tastings of spreads and honeys produced in the estate.
Tip: Combine your visit with a private tour, such as the Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting. Book your free tasting at the Visitors Center when you first arrive at the Biltmore as slots fill up fast.
If you want to extend your visit, the Biltmore offers several tours to capture every imagination. Last year, we took the Upstairs-Downstairs tour and were able to see how the 438 employees kept the mansion in tip-top shape. This included the use of synchronized clocks and a state-of-the-art in-house communication system combined with other technological marvels. Staff not unlike those in Downtown Abbey mostly lived upstairs in the upper floors with hidden passageways to the master bedroom and guest floor.
Need-to-Know Tips for Visiting the Biltmore Estate
Plan to spend the whole day
There is plenty to see (or cut short if need be), but it would be awful to feel rushed. Many of the kid attractions close at 5 pm.
Getting around can take some time
You can drive to the Biltmore House and park in one of several lots. Lot A is about an eight-minute walk to the house, while the other lots are further away. There are shuttles to the house and Antler Hill Village. You can also take shuttles – which come about every 20 minutes – from the house to Antler Hill Village.
The Deerpark Trail from Antler Hill to the house is around three miles. You can also drive to Antler Hill and walk to the house or take the shuttle. There is a parking lot near the lagoon and trail if you want to park there and walk the 1.5 miles to Antler Hill or up the hill to the house. You’ll come out on the side near the gardens.
Free things to do at Biltmore
While you need a ticket to get onto the Biltmore Estate, there are lots of free things to do once you’re there. Bring your bikes and ride the trails, take a walk amongst the gardens and sunflowers, visit the Conservatory and Farmyard, play on the Pisgah Playground, do a wine tasting, or make a craft at the Antler Hill Barn.
Buy Biltmore tickets online
Less lines mean happy kids, so buy your Biltmore tickets online. Kids 16 and under are free during the summer. The rest of the year, kids 9 and under are free. Ticket prices start at $85 and vary depending on season. Read on to learn how to save money with the annual pass.
Bring your stroller/backpack carrier
Strollers and backpack carriers are welcome on the grounds. You’ll want to stick with a carrier in the house as some of the areas are difficult to navigate with a stroller.
As part of the Biltmore bag policy, no backpacks are allowed on any guided tour.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Put everyone in comfy walking shoes, and apply sunscreen as exploring the grounds is one of the best parts of the trip.
Consider an annual pass
An Biltmore annual pass is usually $249/person, and kids ages 16 and younger get in free with a Passholder. They usually offer discounts on their annual pass in November (that’s when I got mine for a lot less than $249). Watch their social media and website to score a deal.
The Passholder benefits are awesome. They include discounts on tickets for guests, discounts on tours, shopping, dining, and lodging, and discounts at other attractions like Chimney Rock State Park, Dollywood, Tweetsie Railroad, Mast General Store, and Grandfather Mountain.
Have you taken your kids to visit the Biltmore Estate yet?
If you are looking for a family beach that also has a lot of fun things to do, Carolina Beach in North Carolina is an excellent choice! KAG contributor Jennifer and her family checked out Carolina Beach at Pleasure Island and found it to be the perfect mix of family entertainment and beach fun. Then in 2026, Maria brought her teenage kids for a trip to explore Carolina Beach (and beyond).
Read all about what made this beach town a hit for their families and why your own may want to visit soon!
What makes Carolina Beach special?
My family recently headed up the North Carolina coast and discovered Carolina Beach. Located approximately five hours from the Upstate, Carolina Beach makes the perfect beach destination for summer vacations.
This popular NC beach is an excellent choice if you are looking for a family-friendly beach. How you choose to take a beach trip is a personal preference. Some families like to go to beaches like Myrtle Beach, with many entertainment options and crowds, whereas others prefer quieter beaches with fewer entertainment options.
This beach fits right in the middle of these categories. It has plenty of things to do with the whole family, such as the Boardwalk amusement park; however, it is not as crowded as other beach destinations. Plus, with tons of vacation rentals, you can choose to stay closer to the Boardwalk where the action happens, or you can stay further away from the crowds.
The Boardwalk at Carolina Beach, NC
The standout feature of Carolina Beach is the Boardwalk. It is one of the few true boardwalks on the East Coast. And I don’t mean just a simple pier. This is a true boardwalk with amusement park rides, a Ferris wheel, shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The boardwalk comes alive in the evenings, so be prepared to spend lots of time there after lounging on the beach daily.
Carolina Beach Has A Family-Friendly Shoreline
Another big plus for Carolina Beach is its family-friendly shoreline. Unlike more isolated beaches, the beach has several lifeguard stands along its three miles of shoreline. With ever-changing currents and hesitant swimmers, I always feel safer knowing there are lifeguards nearby.
Additionally, Carolina Beach is wheelchair accessible. Directly off the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, there are walkways making it accessible to those in wheelchairs or families with an extra set of wheels.
Worthwhile Things to Do: Carolina Beach
On top of the fun standard beach attractions, such as mini golf, my family absolutely loved visiting the nearby North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Fort Fisher State Recreation Site is only ten minutes from Carolina Beach, and visiting the aquarium is a must! The North Carolina Aquarium has several hands-on exhibits, plenty of marine life to observe, and even a fantastic playground. Note: The aquarium will close May 25th, 2026 for a significant construction project and will be closed for the foreseeable future.
Outdoor Adventures
While you are visiting the aquarium at Fort Fisher, be sure to check out the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, where you can hike, explore the dunes, and maybe even see Loggerhead turtles nesting (from a distance, of course!)
You can also head south to the Fort Fisher State Historic Site at Kure Beach, a civil war site that makes a great educational lesson while you’re vacationing. There are guided tours to take, exhibits to view, and an impressive fort.
If you’re feeling up to an outdoor adventure during your beach trip, check out Carolina Beach State Park, where your family can hike, bike, and even camp if you’re up for it! Fun fact: the state park is home to the Venus Flytrap, so you can teach your kids about this near-carnivorous plant while you venture through the coastal park. There is also a 50-foot sand dune, Sugarloaf Dune, that will have them in awe.
If you’re wanting to stay close to town, the Carolina Beach Lake Park is a wonderful lake to spend an afternoon kayaking, have a picnic, or let your kids burn off some energy at the playground. There are also free outdoor movies on Sunday evenings, perfect after a long day on the beach.
More Things to Do in Carolina Beach (especially with teens)
On another recent visit to the area, Maria and her teenage kids got to explore Carolina Beach. Here’s what they’re adding to the “Things to Do in Carolina Beach” list.
Biking: We rented bikes from Tony Silvagni Surf School and pedaled around Carolina Beach Lake Park and the Island Greenway.
Kayaking: We did a guided kayak trip with Kayak Carolina to Zeke’s Island, an uninhabited island full of shore birds and wildlife. Get the whole story on it: Our Kayak Trip With Kayak Carolina
Mini-golf: And then there was Surf’s Up Mini Golf, which has got to be one of the most fun mini-golf courses we’ve ever played.
Delicious Eats Near the Beach
Of course, we couldn’t spend time exploring Carolina Beach without sampling some of the most popular restaurants. We tried out Hang Ten Grill after hearing about its popularity. After eating there for lunch, we understood why so many people headed in that direction! Hang Ten Grill is a typical beach restaurant with surfboards decorating the walls – and even the ceilings.
The menu has plenty of seafood and grilled favorites. I had a shrimp burger, and it was delicious! But, it was the kid’s menu that sold it. My son had a hamburger, and my daughter had nachos – and each came with an ice cream sundae!
The restaurant regularly has live music, food and drink specials, and events like yoga and coffee. Check out the Hang Ten Grill Facebook page to see what events are happening while visiting the area.
Some additional restaurants you may like to check out with stellar reviews include SeaWitch Cafe and Tiki Bar for live music, Cape Fear Boil Company to satiate your seafood craving, and Kate’s Pancake House for a delicious breakfast! If you are into craft brews, Good Hops Brewery is a highly recommended local brewery that is located in the heart of this beach city!
More restaurants in Carolina Beach (We loved them on our 2026 trip)
We had dinner at Seaworthy Kitchen & Bar, a beautiful restaurant with excellent food. I enjoyed a super fresh poke bowl, while the kids had salads and smokehouse mac and cheese customized with chicken and shrimp.
For breakfast, we had a couple of spots we LOVED.
Southerly Biscuit has giant, delicious biscuits. You can go simple with a biscuit and jam (like one of my kids), or all in with fried chicken, sriracha mayo, and hot sauce.
Drift Coffee and Kitchen is a full-service breakfast spot with great coffee and lots of options. Great breakfast sandwich.
For coffee, stop at Crush and Grind near the boardwalk. It has a super fun vibe and lots of specialty drinks.
Drift
For those families looking for a quintessentially beachy beach, then head to Carolina Beach. With the lively boardwalk, the beautiful shoreline, and pastel-colored beach houses, it screams “Summertime Fun!”
If you’re headed to the Carolina Beach area, make sure to read over our story on our 2026 weekend at the beach and in Wilmington. It’s just a short drive from Carolina Beach, and there are so many wonderful things to do!
Want your child to learn how to cook? Here’s a list of local venues that offer kids’ cooking classes. From baking basics to hands-on snack-making, these classes help kids build confidence in the kitchen—and the best part? No mess for you to clean up.
Making bread
Looking for Kids Cooking Classes in Greenville, SC?
Food plays a big role in family life. In many homes, the kitchen is where everyone gathers. When kids learn how to prepare their own food, they gain valuable life skills, boost their confidence, and create meaningful opportunities to connect with family.
Cooking Classes at a Glance
See something you like? More information below.
Venue
Section
Best Ages
Type of Experience
Notes
After School Plus (Mauldin)
Dedicated Kids Programs
5–12
Camps & hands-on classes
Great for beginners; themed cooking + life skills
Tip Top Cake Shop (Easley)
Dedicated Kids Programs
6–14
Baking & decorating
Best for creative kids who love sweets and design
The Cook’s Station
Dedicated Kids Programs
8+
Cooking & baking classes
Mix of kids-specific and family-friendly classes
Mauldin Cultural Center
Family-Friendly Venues
6–12 (varies)
Community classes
Occasional offerings; schedule varies
Bluebird Homestead (Bread Classes)
Family-Friendly Venues
Families / 8+
Breadmaking workshops
Parent-child experience; hands-on from start to finish
Greenville Tech CHI
Family-Friendly Venues
12+
Culinary instruction
Professional kitchen setting; great for teens
Le Petit Croissant
Advanced / Older Kids
12+ (with parent)
Baking workshops
More advanced techniques like croissants & macarons
The Cook’s Station offers a mix of dining, shopping, and cooking education. Their kids’ classes range from beginner baking to fun, hands-on recipes. Some classes are specifically designed for kids, while others may allow family participation. The Cook’s Station
After School Plus (Mauldin)
Best for: Ages 5–12 (elementary & middle school) After School Plus offers cooking-themed camps and classes for kids throughout the year, especially during school breaks and summer. Programs often include:
Baking and decorating projects
Snack-making and simple recipes
Cooking skills like measuring, mixing, and kitchen safety
Themed classes (like cupcake decorating or food-inspired lessons)
Schedules and themes change seasonally, and programs are held at various school locations, so check their website for the current offerings and locations near you. After School Plus
Tip Top Cake Shop (Easley)
Best for: Ages 6–14 (younger bakers & creative kids) 601 Williams Avenue, Easley | 864.850.2807
Tip Top Cake Shop offers cake and cupcake decorating classes perfect for kids who love baking and getting creative. These classes focus more on decorating and design than full cooking techniques. Top Top Cake Shop Events
Family-Friendly Culinary Venues
Truist Culinary & Hospitality Innovation Center (CHI) – Greenville Tech
Best for: Ages 12+ (teens & serious beginners) 556 Perry Avenue, Greenville | 864.250.8183
CHI offers hands-on classes in a professional teaching kitchen. While most classes are geared toward adults, they occasionally offer teen or family classes—ideal for older kids ready for a more advanced experience. Truist Culinary & Hospitality Innovation Center Recreational Classes
Bread Making Class: Bluebird Homestead
Best for: Families & older kids (with parent participation)
If your child (or your whole family!) is interested in learning how to make bread from scratch, this hands-on class is a fun way to learn real baking skills together. You’ll work through the full process—from mixing and kneading to baking fresh bread.
Classes may be hosted at different locations or partner venues, so be sure to check the listing for current details, dates, and location information.
Mauldin Cultural Center
Best for: Ages 6–12 (varies by program) 101 East Butler Road, Mauldin | 864.884.4941
The Mauldin Cultural Center occasionally offers cooking classes for kids as part of its programming. Class types and age ranges vary, so check their current listings.
Advanced / Older Kid Options
Le Petit Croissant
Best for: Ages 12+ (with parent ) 640 S Main Street, Greenville
This bakery offers hands-on baking workshops like croissants, macarons, and breads. Classes are small and interactive. Many are geared toward adults, but older kids and teens can often participate with a parent. Class availability varies, so be sure to check current listings before booking. Le Petit Croissant Workshops
Do you have a family adventure planned to visit Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta, GA? We checked it out to create this Six Flags Over Georgia review, and we have all the information you need to plan a fun day there with your family. Complimentary tickets were provided for this review.
Six Flags Over Georgia is one of the few theme parks that provide thrilling rides with heart-pounding excitement mixed with more gentle rides for smaller kids, concessions, events, and shows.
Here’s what you need to know when planning a trip with your family. This review is a compilation of two trips to Six Flags Over Georgia.
Watch! The sights and sounds of Six Flags Over Georgia
About Six Flags Over Georgia
The theme park is a little less than three hours from the Upstate, depending on traffic, in the Atlanta metro area. It’s a massive park with 40+ rides. Hurricane Harbor is the water park inside Six Flags Over Georgia that opens Memorial Day weekend.
Admission to the park starts at $39.00 per person. Like other theme parks, Six Flags Over Georgia offers a Flash Pass, which allows you to enjoy more rides without waiting in line. This is an add-on to your one-day ticket, and bundles start at $69. Be sure to buy online, as tickets at the gate are significantly higher!
Roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia
Getting to Six Flags Over Georgia
The first thing to remember about Six Flags Over Georgia is that it’s basically in Atlanta, and that means traffic. If you’re taking a day trip, allow around 3-3.5 hours to get there. We suggest arriving a bit before the park opens so you have enough time to get on the rides on you want.
We followed the directions from the Six Flags site, and they recommend taking 85S to 285W, then 20W, which takes you right to the park. Use your GSP in case of backups and look at alternate routes. And bring your patience.
Parking at Six Flag Over Georgia
Parking was a breeze. There are multiple ticket booths where you can present your parking pass for scanning or purchase parking. We recommend you buy parking beforehand just to save time. They do offer Speedy Parking and Preferred Parking for an extra fee. The lot is large, and there is zero shade, so be sure to bring one of those reflector things for your car if you don’t want to open an oven when you get back. And pay attention to where you park so you can find your car after a long day of coasters.
Sky Screamer at Six Flags Over Georgia
There are also three tram pick-up points in the parking lots. The trams will shuttle you to the front entrance, but it may be faster to walk. We walked from Lot 1 and were at the entrance before people that we saw waiting for the tram. Depending on where you park, it’s not a long walk.
Be sure to have your tickets ready for scanning for easy entrance. It’s a thousand times easier to buy tickets online and have them on your phone than it is to wait in the Will Call/Ticket line. We went in the early afternoon, and the line took a really long time, almost 30 minutes.
Plan of Attack for Rides at Six Flags Over Georgia
We recommend downloading the Six Flags Over Georgia app because it’s awesome. You can easily pull up ride locations, shopping, and dining options. You can see how tall you must be to ride the rides and the wait times for each ride. There’s also a really handy map that marks your location with a blue dot so you can see where you are in relation to where you want to be.
If you have more than a few people in your family, look at the app or the Six Flags website before you go to figure out what rides you want to do and the height requirements. Then make a list of the rides you really want to do and go to those first. We found that the longer we were at Six Flags, the longer the wait times got. There are also screens around the park with current wait times.
Great American Scream Machine
You should also look at a map beforehand so you can figure out which rides to go on and where they are in relation to other rides you don’t want to miss. Also, check the app to see if any rides are closed.
The Food at Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags offers different Dining Passes you can add onto your tickets, which I honestly love. If it’s in your budget, these are good options to help plan out your day. The 2026 Dining Pass options are The Single Meal Deal which gets you one meal, one snack, and one fountain drink for $22.99/person. The All Day Dining Plan comes with one meal of your choice every 90 minutes for $32.99/person. The Premium All Day Dining Plan comes with one meal of your choice every 90 minutes and access to fountain beverages you can refill every 15 minutes for $44.99/person.
They also offer a one-day drink bottle with unlimited refills for $19.99/each. If you want to do this, go right when the park opens or you you could end up waiting in long lines or wandering around for a long time trying to find someplace that isn’t sold out. Honestly, this is the clincher because Georgia summers are dreadfully hot, and we saw no water fountains. I even brought refillable water bottles in my tiny bag for that purpose but didn’t see anywhere to fill them. The one-day refillable bottle is worth it.
There are many different options for dining, like cheesesteaks, burgers, and BBQ. There’s a tavern and a diner. Try to go on off times for lunch, like not right at noon or 1 pm, because lines are long at peak times. And look at the festivals they offer every year, like Oktoberfest, where you can try different food.
Also, try to plan your food adventures around your most thrilling rides. For example, maybe do the more heart-pounding one in the morning before you go eat a chili cheese dog for lunch. Just a thought.
If you want to bring lunch to eat in your car to save money, you can definitely do that. Be sure to get a re-entry wristband on your way out so you can get back in.
Rides at Six Flags Over Georgia
When it comes to roller coasters, I have an adventurous daughter and a timid daughter, which certainly made the day challenging. We ended up riding a smaller roller coaster, the Dahlonega Mine Train. It’s a good intro into the faster rides and is perfect for younger kids who are not quite ready to try the big ones. The height requirement is 42 inches.
We also rode the country cars, which I let my youngest drive. Of course, driving any car is going to be fun for kids. There are so many fantastic roller coasters that I wanted to really get in on the scream fest but will have to wait for another time!
Six Flags Over Georgia car ride
I’m a complete adrenaline junkie when it comes to roller coasters and have not met a coaster I didn’t love. The ones I really wanted to try were Goliath, Superman, Georgia Scorcher, Batman, and Twisted Cyclone. Most of these had long, long waits – around 60 minutes at minimum – by the afternoon on a Saturday. This is why you need to plan what you really want to ride and go there first unless you can swing a Flash Pass.
There are lots of great kid-focused rides like smaller Ferris Wheel-type attractions, swings, and a beautiful carousel. Monster Mansion is a great one because the dark boat ride is a nice break from the heat.
Water Park at Six Flags Over Georgia
Hurricane Harbor is the water park inside Six Flags Over Georgia. We rented a large locker to store our stuff. There are small, large, and jumbo lockers, and the bigger the locker, the higher the cost. We then headed for the wave pool to cool off. There are plenty of life jackets for kids that need them, and they have multiple sizes. My son had a great time in the wave pool, but the large Paradise Island structure was calling his name, and we went there to watch him play.
Now, anyone that has lived in this area for awhile knows that the weather is very unpredictable in the early evening hours. And while the entire day had been virtually cloudless, a thunderstorm came through all of the sudden. The water park immediately shut down, so we changed back into our regular clothes.
Unfortunately, in the time it took to change our clothes, authorities issued a severe storm warning, and the park closed all of the rides. We quickly left the water park area and stopped in a t-shirt shop for about 15 minutes. When the weather broke, we took off again, and got ice cream when the rain started again.
We ultimately decided to leave the park as it was getting on into the evening, and there was no indication the rides would start again anytime soon. Between the time they shut down the water park at 5 pm and we got back to our car at 6:30 pm, no rides were running. It was a nice cooldown, though.
According to the park’s website, Six Flags Over Georgia’s rain policy is as follows: “There are still a ton of activities that are amazingly fun in any kind of weather––including indoor shows, restaurants, shops, games, and arcades. If rain, wind, or electrical storms force us to close certain rides for your safety, they will re-open as soon as safe operations can be assured. Refunds or rain checks for inclement weather are not offered.”
So, our day was cut somewhat short. We had a great time prior to the storm, and my son said he really liked Six Flags a lot. I think we will probably wait until he’s a bit older to go again as the biggest attractions at Six Flags Over Georgia are the roller coasters. There are a lot of them.
Parent Tips: Six Flags Over Georgia
While we mentioned many tips in this story, here are a few others:
Bring/wear sun protection. It’s hot and you’ll get sunburned if you don’t have sunscreen or rain protection.
Download the Six Flags Over Georgia app for helpful info on rides, wait times, and a map.
The park is huge so plan which rides you want to go on and do them first. If you can afford it, get a Flash Pass so you can enjoy even more rides.
Get the refillable water bottle. Dehydration is not fun.
While the park does have a lot of kid and family-focused rides, I think it’s best for kids closer to age 10 and up who love adventure and roller coasters. For most of the moderately intense rides, kids need to be at 48 inches for the medium coasters and 54 inches for the bigger ones.
Go early! Plan to spend the day there. If it’s a day trip, leave the Upstate early.
If your kid wants to see Looney Tunes characters, be sure to check the schedule of appearances when you get there.
Get tickets ahead of time online. You’ll save both time and money.
Look at the dress code before you go, especially for the waterpark: “All guests must wear proper attire, such as bathing suits or board shorts. Thongs, G-strings, or transparent swimwear are not permitted.”
You can bring bags and small backpacks into the park but not on the rides. You can either get a locker for a fee or leave them on the platform.
Visit Six Flags Over Georgia
Tickets start at $39 online (or $80 at the gate) and change depending on the date you want to visit. It’s absolutely better to get tickets online versus when you go. You can purchase a refillable water bottle, Flash passes, and parking ($35+) online as well when you purchase your ticket.
Season passes start at $65/person. If you go more than once, a season pass is certainly a good deal, especially if you purchase the Prestige Pass ($145/person), which includes parking.
275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell, GA 770-739-3400 See website for days and hours of operation. Six Flags Over Georgia Website
Stay Near Six Flags Over Georgia
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Has your family ever visited Six Flags Over Georgia?
